Our use of cookies

Options

Back

We use cookies to help our site work, to understand how it is used, and to tailor the adverts presented on our site. By clicking “Accept” below, you agree to us doing so. You can read more in our
cookie notice. Or, if you do not agree, you can click Manage below to access other choices.

You can choose whether or not to accept advertising cookies from our advertising partner Google using the buttons below. If you choose not to, you will still see adverts on our site, because they help us to fund it, but those adverts will not be tailored to you. You can also choose not to accept session and analytics cookies through the settings in your browser, but some parts of our site might stop working as a result. You can also learn more in our
cookie notice.

Croydon mum calls for Heavers Farm Primary School head teacher to resign over 'pride march'

The march was cancelled after some parents objected and a smaller celebration was instead held inside the school

Share

by Andy Datson

16:28, 4 Jul 2018Updated15:52, 5 Jul 2018

Enter your postcode to see news and information near you

Community updates, Crime Statistics, Local News & Events and much more...

LGBT+ terms explained

A Croydon mum is calling for the head teacher of Heavers Farm Primary School to resign after several parents were outraged by a planned "pride march" at the school on Friday, June 29.

Ruth Anderson, 34, from Thornton Heath, says she feels Susan Papas, head teacher of both Heavers Farm and Selsdon Primary schools has abused her role as head teacher in planning the pride march and should step down.

Mrs Anderson explained that several parents had refused to let their children go to school on the day of the march in protest against the pride march, to which parents were invited on Friday (June 29).

But the march was cancelled and was instead held inside a classroom as a smaller event.

Ms Papas said she was saddened that what was meant to be a positive celebration for children has turned into a call for her resignation.

Mrs Anderson said: "We were given this whole story that it was all about having pride in yourself, but that's ridiculous."

"There were rainbow flags around the school, and the kids were even told to wear bright colours. That's not having pride in yourself, that is blatant support for LGBT.

"I am not homophobic, but my faith teaches me a certain set of beliefs, and I do not want my child's school making her choices for her."

Other parents have spoken about their "disappointment" that the march did not take place. One parent told the Evening Standard: "The parade was about teaching the kids love has no label and celebrating love in all its forms.

“Some parents have taken exception to this. They feel the school is shoving LGBT issues down the kids’ throats. This takes us back decades.”

Labour MP for Croydon North Steve Reed, who is openly gay and has been a strong advocate for LGBT rights, was one of the attendees of the event. He tweeted: “With the wonderful staff and children at Heavers Farm for their Pride celebration — very proud of them for standing up for equality and diversity.”

But Mrs Anderson claimed she was far from alone in her protest against the march, and that a PTA meeting has been planned where Ms Papas' resignation will be demanded.

She went on to say that she felt as though her child was being forced to believe certain things by teachers, rather than going to school "and learning academic subjects like maths, English and science."

Susan Papas is the executive head teacher for Heavers Farm and Selsdon Primary School

"Our children are respectful of others because that is what they are taught at home. If the school has any issues regarding how the children behave in school or have expectations that children should be respectful of everyone, then that is fine," she said.

Read More

But Mrs Anderson believes that as a parent, she should have control over how her children are brought up and how they learn life values.

"Obviously ensuring that our children get in to top universities and excel in life is not as important to the school as learning about same sex couples kissing."

Ms Papas has since responded to these comments, saying: "I am sad that what was planned as a positive celebration of what makes children proud has resulted in a parent calling for my resignation.

Show more

"We believe that it is important to teach children about diversity and acceptance. We have received many messages of support from parents for this.

"We stand by our decision to celebrate national Pride Month by teaching British values. We will continue to raise awareness of the diverse nature of our whole school community to ensure that everyone feels valued."

What do you think? Let us know your thoughts by emailing andy.datson@reachplc.com